What is ethical fashion, why is it important, and why are we just hearing about it now?

Most clothing available in stores today is produced in an unethical manner using sweatshop and/or child labour to ensure a larger profit margin.

Manufacturers use unsustainable fabrics like non-organic cotton (dubbed as natural, it accounts for almost 25% of all pesticide use) and polyester (which is a petroleum by-product).

They use conventional dying practices which release chlorine, chromium, and other pollutants into the environment posing a health risk to the farmers, assemblers and wearers (7 of the top 15 pesticides used on conventional US cotton crops are “possible” to “known” human carcinogens).

The shift to ethical production practices in the clothing industry has been undeniably important for a long time making the market ripe for a positive change. Consumers are starting to demand better.

Ethical fashion is produced using fairly-paid and fairly-treated adult workers, sustainable fabrics and materials like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and reclaimed or recycled materials, low-impact fiber-reactive dyes or vegetable dyes, and respect for a healthy environment and/or product for the farmer, the assembler, and the wearer of the clothing.

Simple measures can be taken to achieve big changes by simply switching our buying patterns to include products made of low impact materials.

Positive pressure on businesses who have yet to volutarily clean up their acts is very easily applied by simply choosing not to spend money on their products, and helping – little by little – to grow the businesses who have made an explicit commitment to responsible business practice.

The wonderful thing about the booming ethical fashion industry is the huge variety of designs, colours, cuts, fabrics and sizes now available. Long stigmatized as cousin to the burlap sack, the ethical offerings today are design-oriented.

Designers with heart are creating beautiful, sexy, edgy, classic, current, imaginative, and, yes, flattering pieces – ethics will simply not be compromised and thankfully neither will the look and feel of their work. Reducing our footprint can be done without making any sacrifices.

Source: Ethical Fashion Addicter

A long time before sustainability and eco-friendliness became buzz words, Heather Dean was collecting for recycling. When she moved to rural Fife to be near her family, Dean envisaged living in an environmentally savvy cottage. She has gone the extra green mile.

“I started collecting newspapers to recycle, back in 1972, long before the majority of people did. I also organised a paper collection in the village I was living in,” says Dean. “I got into Agenda 21 in Cambridgeshire — an initiative that looked into new recycling ideas. My late husband and I were in the local composting scheme too; we collected compost every week and sold it to villages in the area. My son said recently that I was about 20 years ahead of my time,” she says.

When Heather decided to retire to Fife, she approached her son-in-law, Alasdair Baird, who is an architect, to infuse her ideas into a design for a sustainable home. “I asked Alasdair to build me an eco bungalow, which has since become known as an eco cottage. I told him that if he could, I’d come to Scotland,” says Dean.

The original plan was to design a new-build home. However, securing land in rural Fife proved difficult. Eventually, Heather bought two farm cottages with land attached. The site comprised three plots, one of which was sold prior to the development of Heather’s new home and another was sold with planning permission when she moved in.

“I wanted to design a house with character for my mother-in-law, who I’ve known for over 20 years,” says Baird. “Her tastes are quite traditional, so it wasn’t going to be a minimalist modern house. I wanted to reflect her many interests, which include gardening, botany, dyeing, spinning and weaving natural fibres, and provide her with an inspirational home that will also accommodate her requirements as she gets older,” he says.

Essentially, Heather’s new house has been created by altering and extending the two small semi-detached workers’ cottages. Two existing bedrooms have been retained and integrated into a large extension, which features a living room, kitchen, dining room, study, utility room and bathroom.

“We’re quite close to other houses, so I was keen to keep the building low with discreet elements. The new building replaced a collection of glass sheds and outbuildings. As it is not one big structure, it is not too dissimilar to what was there before. By breaking it up into parts with different functions, it fits into its context,” says Baird.

“I’m settled here, now. It’s a super house. I wouldn’t change anything about it.” says Dean. “If I were to single out a highlight it would be the view from the sun lounge. One thing I really wanted was a sun lounge, so Alasdair took great consideration into designing it. I love sitting out there and taking in the views. The house is also very cosy, in fact, the wood-burning stove is mainly for decoration.”

Source: Times Online

A new eco-labelling scheme is targeting leading retailers and textile manufacturers with a big promise.

It can, for the first time, certify that their products and every component in them is free from harmful chemicals and has been made in factories which respect the environment and the rights of workers.

The ‘Made in Green’ mark tests and audits textiles and garment production processes throughout the supply chain - including all the component manufacturing centres used to make a product such as yarn, fabric, buttons, zips and sewing threads.

Clothing or textile items passing the tests are awarded a ‘Made in Green’ label which indicates to consumers that the product has been produced in accordance with social responsibility, ecological and environmental guidelines. Asif Shah works for Shirley Technologies (STL), the textile testing group that is licensed to carry out the certification in the UK and Europe. He had this to say:

“Unless a retailer or manufacturer knows where to look, they are unlikely to find the problems in auditing and tracking supplier chains in the textile industry. The advantage of Made in Green is that it tests the product range, audits the processing in the factory, audits the environmental impact and ensures compliance with social responsibility guidelines all at once. The testing and audit process involves three elements:

• Oeko-Tex 100 certification which guarantees products do not contain substances harmful to health;
• Oeko-Tex 1000 or equivalent, which confirms current environmental legislation compliance; and
• CCRS-AITEX or equivalent, which ensures compliance with social responsibility guidelines, including child labour.”

A company’s Made in Green status will be reviewed and audited annually and, because it is third party independent verification, they will be able to offer to ensure validity and authenticity. Raising consumer awareness is another key component of the scheme.

Shah concludes: “Our vision for Made in Green is a long-term one; we view it as a green quality stamp for companies. We would like to think that in the future consumers will be able to recognise Made in Green just as they would other quality labels.”

Source: Daisy Green

Tiffany Parks, owner of Wear The Earth, has broken the stereotype that many people have about sustainable materials.

Contrary to popular belief, the eco-friendly clothing line she resells is very soft and delicate. UNLV student Patricia Peliciotti said she has heard about this type of clothing, but never really thought it could appeal to her.

Parks’ collection consists mainly of women’s apparel, but there are some items for contemporary men.

“My target is someone who is going to college and will put an environmental top with a pair of jeans and look cute and fashionable,” Parks said.

Eco-friendly clothes can be made largely from bamboo, hemp, organic cotton, soy and lyocell. There are some requirements for a piece of clothing to be considered truly “green.” “It was a long process to find the right inventory. We needed to make sure they were legitimate,” Parks said. She also said she constantly advises her costumers to be aware of imitations and fakes.

Eco-friendly clothes have to be made from a sustainable fabric and they cannot come from sweat-shops. Organic cotton, for example, has very little impact on the environment. It is not bleached, dyed or chemically treated. For it to be labeled as organic, it also has to be pesticide-free for at least three years.

Hemp is one of the strongest fibers. It enables sustainability and prevents erosion on farmed land. It is also very resistant to insects, so pesticides are not needed. Fertilizers are not needed as well because the plant grows very vigorously by itself.

Bamboo is another natural, renewable source. It is best known for its silky, cashmere-like feel and its antimicrobial qualities. “The minute you put that one thing on, you realize that you don’t want to take it off, ever. It’s like wearing pajamas all the time,” Parks said.

Despite all the good aspects, the price for green fashions is not so friendly. “There’s a reason why it’s a little bit more expensive. It’s going to last a lot longer because it’s organic,” Parks said.

Parks did an experiment at home with a sustainable T-shirt and a regular T-shirt. The results were amazing. The regular T-shirt shrank, got stains and lost its appeal. The organic shirt looked new and kept its form a lot longer.

Source: The Rebel Yell
Visit wearetheearth.com

From the largest fashion houses in the world, right down to the local street fashion of any city, sustainable fashion has become the underlying thread in the style that is emerging in the 21st century.

There are many things that can make apparel or accessories sustainable. Take, for instance the choice to use recycled or upcycled used or otherwise “vintage” clothes to create new and modern styles. This can take the form of clothing that is lightly altered or repaired to be salable, or a complete transformation that can turn something that wasn’t even meant as clothing into the height of sustainable fashion.

Another thing to remember when choosing clothing according to a sustainable fashion ethic is the source of the raw materials. Consider that over half of the pesticides used in the US are applied to the domestic cotton crop. Even when using new materials, you can choose natural, organic fibers that do not use petroleum derived nutrients and don’t pollute the land and water with pesticide residues.

Consider also the fate of those who have to work in mills that process, spin and weave fabrics that contain high levels of pesticides. The suffering and work conditions of the people who make sustainable fashion is also important. Workers rights at factories that manufacture materials or apparel are just as important in this movement as the composition of the garment or accessory.

Of course, synthetic fabrics are made from petroleum, further adding to your personal carbon and waste footprint. By way of comparison, natural fibers are not a waste disposal problem or a toxic threat to anyone. Among the most popular natural fibers are silk, linen (made from flax), cotton, wool, hemp, sisal, bamboo and jute.

The sustainable fashion movement also strives to eliminate unnecessary carbon emissions wherever possible. This can mean choosing a synthetic fabric over a cotton that would otherwise be shipped for 10,000 miles. Tough choices have to be made between what is the greatest sum gain for any piece of clothing.

Clothes swapping, for instance, is a popular new trend where people either get together online, at giant swap meets or at intimate parties and trade their unloved clothes for better and “new to them” sustainable fashion.

The only carbon that is burned in such exchanges are the electrons that keep the computers running and postal delivery. A party where the participants took their bicycles would eliminate carbon emissions (besides breath) entirely. In comparison to the multi-national game of shipping materials between foreign countries with poor human rights records, this practice is particularly gentle.

Upcycling is also a benign way to use items and apparel that would otherwise go to waste and turn it into something uniquely fashionable. An emerging trend is to have garments sewn especially for you, and some people are doing this with recycled clothing. This type of sustainable fashion mixes creativity with necessity to create style on the cheap and save the planet.

Fashion isn’t going away and there’s no reason it should. People may have to change a few ideas about what constitutes a shopping excursion, but sustainable fashion is part of a much larger commitment to a sustainable lifestyle that is conscious of the ecological impact of all our actions, right down to our closets.

Source: Sustainable Development

The Grande Dame of British fashion’s glittering assembly of A-list friends were out in force as Vivienne Westwood staged a gala charity night.

The event was entitled Chaos Point - “a glamorous spectacle of dance, music and fashion” at the Banqueting House. Co-hosted by Nigella Lawson, the gala in aid of the NSPCC was attended by Jerry Hall, with her daughters, Elizabeth and Georgia May Jagger, artist Tracey Emin and the daughter of Harrods owner Mohamed Fayed, Camilla Fayed.

Also there were former supermodels Claudia Schiffer and Eva Herzigova, photographer Mary McCartney and Roman Abramovich’s girlfriend, Daria (Dasha) Zhukova.

They were all there to see the first London catwalk show of Ms Westwood’s top line Gold Label collection, a branch of her work designed for the Paris stage and the haute couture crowd, although it is on sale at her London shop in Conduit Street.

The show was accompanied by music from London Musici, a chamber orchestra more used to collaborating with the Ballet Rambert. The show and concert was followed by dinner, with tables at £4,000 each, or £30,000 for a “patron’s” table. The aim was to raise £250,000.

The designer also showcased her autumn 2008-2009 collection which was partly designed - with an ecological theme in mind - by schoolchildren.

According to Dame Vivienne’s non-fashion website, Alternative Resistance, the Chaos Point idea derives from a 2006 book by Nobel Prize nominee Ervin Laszlo, which argues that the world has reached a point of no return over environmental damage.

Dame Vivienne says: “We need a new set of values, a new ethic if we are to avert disaster. Chaos Point means that we have a choice between breakdown or breakthrough.”

Source: This is London

With the global meltdown, not only textile and clothing exporters but also retailers are in miserable state. It seems that consumers are cutting down their expenditure and retailers are coming up with innovative schemes to lure them back.

Such is the situation with garment companies and designer clothing in Indonesia. However, now designers are shifting to eco-friendly products, with a hope to attract the environmentally conscious fashionistas.

This was clearly apparent at the recently organized fashion event at Fashion First boutique in Senayan City Mall, South Jakarta. Several renowned designers like Priyo Oktaviano, Barli Asmara Ade Sagi, Ichwan Thoha and Rusli Tjohnardi participated, and displayed a collection of eco-friendly clothes and accessories.

The lines, made from organic fabrics (mainly cotton) reflected style and elegance with chic pleats, clean cuts and minimal appliqués. The palette comprised of subtle shades of green, brown and earthen colours that symbolize the Mother Nature.

Avoiding the use of chemicals, the designers still managed to offer innovative print and embroidery patterns, including florals and contemporary silhouettes.

Though going green is difficult, the designers are now accepting the challenge and taking steps towards this cause. Those who are unable to be completely eco-friendly, try and adopt this method for at least part of their production.

Ecological experts say, this may not be much to save the environment but it is indeed better than nothing!

Source: Fibre 2 Fashion

With chemicals taking a toll on human health and environment, more and more people are becoming conscious of living life; the ‘organic way’.

Eco friendly clothing combining high quality clothing with socially conscious environmentalism has become a faction, and is in vogue. Eco friendly labels are now appearing on many products, due to the efforts of the companies to be perceived as environment friendly.

Organic clothing is gaining popularity in countries like Britain, Japan, US, and EU. ‘Green clothing’ is becoming accepted in the world just like organic cotton. Organic cotton is the most important basic material used in the making of organic clothing.

India, Turkey, Tanzania, China, Syria, Peru, Egypt, USA, and Burkina Faso are the leading organic cotton producing countries the world. Brands like Nike, Timberland, Marks and Spencer, and Wal-Mart have already started selling organic products blazing a trail in the market. By the end of 2009, Nike plans to have 50% of its products to be manufactured in ‘organic way’, and 100% by 2011.

Many designers are coming out with eco friendly outfits made from organic cotton and using other dyes which are free from hazardous chemicals. Though the range of styles is lesser when compared with other materials, new patterns and styles are being developed to keep pace with the growing demand for organic clothing.

With consumers dictating the market today; having an ‘organic wardrobe’ depends wholly on the consumer’s choice. The bottom line of every market is ‘demand’, and manufacturers will only do what the consumers’ desire.

Source: Fibre 2 Fashion

Form and Fauna creates stylish lines of women’s shoes from sustainable and renewable resources.

The heels are made from bamboo or other regenerative woods and the insoles and lining come from recycled yoga mats.

Bay Bertea was once a yoga instructed and is now the designer behind the Form and Fauna label.

She has melded her two lives to bring forth a sexy shoe line that uses no leather (yes, they have vegan shoes for the fashionista) that “honor both style and the animal kingdom within our design process.”

Some of the materials and methods used include:

• non-toxic biodegradable Italian synthetics
• bamboo
• organic hemp
• recycled fiber insoles
• water based glues
• fair trade
• cruelty free
• hand made in the US

“Our intention is to design shoes that are chic, naturally derived, unique, and comfortable. We honor both style and the animal kingdom within our design process.”

Source: Green Upgrader

Shoes have had a green makeover, and people actually want to wear these innovative designs.

They are no longer unattractive and made from coarse fabrics like hemp. Walking in eco-friendly shoes gives you a spring in your step, because you are making a difference for the environment and animals.

Many shoes are made from leather, and it was once difficult to find vegan shoes. Many vegans had to resort to manmade materials, which are often uncomfortable and cause blisters.

Not to mention, manmade material make it difficult for your skin to breathe, which can cause itchiness or more severe problems like athlete’s foot.

Shoe companies have taken it upon themselves to be socially responsible by launching green shoe lines. Nike has created running shoes made from recycled rubber.

Eco-friendly shoes don’t have to be brand new. When it comes to purchasing shoes for your children, it can get out of hand.

Some children’s shoes are made with breathable micro-suede, which can be made from 100% post-consumer and post-industrial polyester. You can go a further step and research the company to see if they use harmful solvents in the shoe making process.

Another material to look for in shoes is bamboo. It’s a sustainable resource, and shoes made from this fabric are naturally antibacterial and antifungal.

Eco-friendly shoes come in various styles: stilettos, work boots, kitten heals, tennis shoes, loafers, boots, etc. It’s not hard to find green shoes, but it might be hard to resist the temptation to buy more than one.

There are so many colors, styles and designs. Eco-friendly shoes can help you reduce your waste and reduce your ecological footprint. Plus, you can look stylish and trendy in your environmentally friendly shoes.

Source: About My Planet